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Word is spreading

JUNE 10, 2016 - Newspapers, radio stations and internet-based information services have given our coalition significant attention in recent weeks, spreading awareness of the impact local governments are feeling due to the high volume of tax-exempt state land. Coalition leaders have also been contacting the seven statewide organizations that support the cause and asking them to become more involved. It's all geared toward persuading the legislature to approve an payment-in-lieu-of-taxes increase in conjunction with the 2016-17 state budget and accompanying tax code.

JULY 14, 2016 - Governor Tom Wolf has signed into law a 67-percent increase of the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) for state forest and park lands. It’s contained in Fiscal Code amendments passed by the legislature as part of the 2016-17 budget approval.

JULY 5, 2016 - Pennsylvania's legislature moved forward last week with a 66.6% increase in the payment-in-lieu-of-taxes for state forest and park land. School districts, counties and municipalities currently receiving $1.20 per acre annually would receive $2.00 per acre annually under the new formula (Pa. Game Commission and Fish & Boat Commission acreage would continue to yield the $1.20 per acre).

JUNE 24, 2016 - As negotiations continue on the 2016-17 state budget, the Pa. State Land Tax Fairness Coalition has been busy building support for its cause. Steering Committee members are meeting with leaders of the Pa. School Boards Assn. and the Pa. State Assn. of Township Supervisors. We’ve also recently made our case with the Pa. Assn. of Realtors and are seeking its support.

JUNE 10, 2016 - Newspapers, radio stations and internet-based information services have given our coalition significant attention in recent weeks, spreading awareness of the impact local governments are feeling due to the high volume of tax-exempt state land. Coalition leaders have also been contacting the seven statewide organizations that support the cause and asking them to become more involved.

APRIL 20, 2016 - Another statewide organization is being asked to get onboard with the Pennsylvania State Land Tax Fairness Coalition. Leadership of the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors has been approached about supporting our mission. The issue was aired this week during a meeting of the Northcentral Pa. Board of Realtors.

APRIL 13, 2016 - Coalition leaders are holding meetings with several members of the Pa. General Assembly this week, seeking some clarity on how to proceed. Among those who have agreed to meet with the coalition is Representative John Maher (left), chairman of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.

APRIL 8, 2016 – Coalition members should watch their email for an invitation to a conference call to plot strategies in seeking support for higher payments-in-lieu-of-taxes payments for state-owned land.

FEB. 22, 2016 Pennsylvania State Land Tax Fairness Coalition has added two more statewide organizations to its list of supporters. The Pennsylvania Landowners Association (PLA) and the Pennsylvania Forest Products Association have both endorsed the coalition's campaign for higher payments-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILT) for tax-exempt state forest, park and game lands.